She's a Grand Old Flag

In order for an ammendment to be added to the Constitution it first has to pass a 2/3 vote by Congress. It then goes to the states for ratification, where it needs a 3/4 vote. It is such a rare event that it has happened only 27 times in the history of our country.

This week, the Senate came within 1 vote of the 2/3 necessary to pass an anti-flag burning ammendment on. Both senators from my state voted for this ammendment. I am not pleased.

I'm not really sure what the arguments for this ammendment are. The ones I have heard are "People should be patriotic", "There are other forms of protest that can just as equally well express dissatisfaction", and "This isn't what this country has fought for."

One at a time. Yes, people should be patriotic. No, it should not be regulated or enforced. Shall we make it a misdemeanor to neglect to put your hand over your heart when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance? A felony to sit down during the national anthem?

True, there are other forms of protest that can be used. But this can be an answer to any form of protest. Let's make it a crime to picket; after all, you could always write it up on a blog instead. Have elected officials start turning away their mail; after all, can't these voters find another way to protest?

Finally, the argument that this behavior isn't what this country has fought for. Bullshit. This is exactly the sort of freedom this country has fought for. Now, I don't agree with people who burn the flag...I don't see the point of it. It never targets a particular agenda; it seem to be more of an overall "I don't like this whole country" statement. But our veterans and predecessors have fought for precisely this: the ability to disagree with our government. At the time of the founding of our country, it was a one-of-a-kind idea. It's the idea that, yes, people can express their opinion, even if their opinion is stupid. They can express it most any way they want, even if that way is stupid. There is not a clause in the Declaration of Independence that says "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal (unless we don't agree with their opinion or method of expressing it).....

My opinion? The politicians didn't really think this had a chance of passing in the first place. Ammendments are notoriously hard to pass. I think it is simply a diversionary tactic to draw attention from where it needs to be paid. After all, there is so much Congress could be working on: health care, the war, the economy, social security....why are they wasting their time with this? It's one more item in a list of items designed to detract media coverage from the fiasco in Iraq (just in time for November elections, too). In recent months, the politicos have rehashed gay marriage, illegal aliens, and now flag burning. My guess is there will be at least one more non-essential topic introduced as "of primary concern" sometime in the next couple months.

My faith in our system remains strong. My faith in our current leaders is faltering quickly.